I figured we’d have a staff meeting of sorts and greet the new guy. Maybe he’d tag along here and there. We’d all just ease into it, and I’d get used to him like I did Gunner. No way did I ever think Jesse would ask me to make the guy my sole priority.
That’s a lot of pressure.
I’d do anything for the ranch, but holy smokes, it’s caught me way off balance today. I’m just a ranch hand. I’m not a…I don’t know what you’d call it, but I’m not a guy to promote the ranch. I can’t even remember to carry my cell phone most days. A social media expert following me around can’t be the wisest choice. Maybe I should ask Jesse to pick someone else.
He said he only trusts you.
Sliding back behind the wheel, the music still plays, but the station isn’t my usual. Every time I turn the truck off, it jumpsback to an FM station, and I don’t know how to change it. But the song is appropriate at least.
ABBA’sTake a Chance on Meplays through the speakers instead of my soothing instrumental music.
I laugh as I pull out to continue driving. “Okay, ABBA. Message received. I can only promise to do my best.”
It’s all I can do, and I hope it’s enough.
My paintbrush feathersa line of yellow next to the orange before I wash them together with water. The edges bleed together, mimicking the glow of a sunrise over the mountains. Well, I think it’s a pretty good imitation at least.
My morning egg crackles in the pan, reminding me I still need to eat. The unpacked box on the counter also reminds me that I haven’t unpacked like I said I would.
Unpacking lasted for exactly one box. That’s when I found my watercolor paints and, after clearing a spot at the kitchen table, sat down to paint for the first time since moving in. I’m no artist by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s something I enjoy doing when I can.
Setting my paints down, I turn toward the stove and finish my egg before popping the bread into the toaster. My gaze lands on the shimmer pot of paint I picked up last time I went to the craft supply store. It’s so pretty in the jar, and I’ve yet to bring myself to use it in a painting.
After my toast is buttered, I stare at the paint pot.
“It’s just a new paint, Colt. Use it.”
With a new brush, I dip into the shimmering substance with a confidence I’m positive isn’t mine. After a pause, I swipe it onto the sun in my painting. The sun instantly shimmers like the heat over the pavement on a hot summer’s day.
“Wow.” My voice is quiet in the empty apartment as I quickly layer another coat of orange on the sun and add more shimmer. My breakfast sits untouched as I stare at the painting and how much the picture has changed.
It’s just paint. It shouldn’t feel like I just won the biggest prize at the state fair, but it does. I’m kicking myself for not using it sooner. I could’ve been enjoying this paint months ago!
Better late than never, I suppose. I quickly shovel my breakfast into my mouth and reach for my journal to make a single entry.
I tried the shimmer paint today and feel great! Wish I had tried it sooner!
Quickly, I leave my paintbrushes soaking and rush off to work with this feeling of triumph still clinging to me.
Chapter 2
Ethan
The high-pitched beep sounds as my alarm goes off at… an ungodly hour. After sitting up in bed, I let the early hour try to convince me that this is the best time of day to function. Let’s just say the morning isn’t winning the debate.
In the end, it’s the first day of a new job that wins the battle to get me moving.
When Jesse told me the ranch wakes early, I didn’t think he meant before the sun was up. Before the dawn of time is what it feels like. It’s that early.
Rubbing my eyes, I flick on the lamp sitting on the nightstand and let my eyes adjust to the room. It’s definitely not what I’m used to, but I don’t hate it. I’m not pleased, but it’s definitely not hate.
I’m to experience the ranch by immersion, and while I’m not eager about the early mornings, I’m quite liking the comfort of the bed and the cozy comforter. It’s far better than the horrible motel I stayed at for the last month. Breaking up with my shitty ex was ill-timed on my part, but at least he paid for part of the motel out of misplaced guilt about being an asshole.
But that’s behind me, and I’m here at Snow Creek Ranch to live amongst the cowboys and…cows? Horses? Doesn’t matter. I’m here to live and enjoy the great outdoors.
A laugh escapes as I scrub a hand down my face. Enjoying the outdoors might be a stretch. I’m not what you’d call an avid outdoorsman. That’s why I spend my days with laptops and phones, hashtags and search engines. I’m sure it’s great doing all the things and touching grass. I’m willing to give it a shot. Lord knows I need to change my life, and maybe this is the change I need.
I’m just not overly enthusiastic about it right now.
